Cultural Researcher (Death Valley National Park)

In cooperation with the National Park Service, the Great Basin Institute (GBI) is recruiting one (1) Cultural Researcher to work cooperatively with National Park Service staff at Death Valley National Park.

The Cultural Researcher will work under the guidance and mentorship of Death Valley National Park (DEVA) Cultural Resources staff and members of the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, with mentorship opportunities with the DEVA Interpretation and Education staff. Through this immersive experience, the Cultural Researcher will lead DEVA efforts to expand the interpretation of the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe by conducting ethnographic and archival research to compile articles about Timbisha history and culture. The Cultural Researcher will consult with the Timbisha Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) and members of the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe to collect and organize historical information about the Tribe. The researcher may also examine public and park records, oral histories, and approved Tribal records to support the ethnographic information shared by the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe. Additionally, the Cultural Researcher will work with DEVA staff and the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe to develop creative methods for sharing Timbisha history and culture within Death Valley National Park. This may include interpretive panels or exhibits, interpretive programming, and/or cultural trainings for staff.

LOCATION:

Death Valley National Park is located in Nevada and California and boasts some of the hottest and driest climates, and lowest elevation in North America. The park includes a superlative desert of streaming sand dunes, snow-capped mountains, multicolored rock layers, water-fluted canyons and three million acres of wilderness. Death Valley is home to the Timbisha Shoshone people and to plants and animals unique to the harshest desert environment. The closest cities are Pahrump and Beatty, Nevada (both approximately 1 hour away). Las Vegas is a little over 2 hours away.

Field conditions include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, as well as cold, winter weather. Resources of the region include threatened and/or endangered species habitat, big game habitats, abandoned mine lands, and historic and prehistoric cultural sites.

CONTRACT TIMELINE:

This project is expected to last for approximately 42 weeks beginning in late August, pending the completion of a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI).

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: 

• Wage: $22/hour with overtime at 1.5x hourly rate. Full time, average 40 hours per week;
• Housing Stipend: $110 biweekly - dormitory accommodations available in Death Valley for the duration of the project;
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance premiums are covered 100% by GBI. Available on the first day of the month following the start of employment;
• Paid federal holidays;
• Personal Leave Time (PLT) accrued at a rate of 0.05 hrs per hour worked (~4 hrs biweekly);
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance.

REQUIRED:

• Experience conducting ethnographic work in Native American communities;
• Experience working with tribal members and/or tribal historic preservation issues;
• Experience assessing historical evidence using primary and secondary sources, including oral tradition and oral histories;
• Experience applying Indigenous Knowledge to natural and cultural resource management;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; and
• Self-motivated and self-directed individual who is capable of working independently or part of team toward mutual goals and objectives.

PREFERRED:

• Knowledge of Timbisha Shoshone history and culture;
• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Native American Studies, Anthropology, or associated field (history, archeology, ethnography, etc.).
• A member of the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe or an American Indian or Alaska Native.

Successful applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs.

NOTE: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Disclaimer: Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.